CHRISTIE'S HOUSE IS AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT IN SPRING ART SEASON IN DUBAI. ON MARCH 18 AND 19 WILL HOLD THE 16TH REGIONAL TRADING. ON THEM, BY TRADITION, THE MASTERPIECES OF MODERN ARAB, IRAN AND TURKISH ART WILL BE PRESENTED. Halia Khayyat, who heads the House’s sales department, told the Russian Emirates about the tastes and preferences of Middle Eastern clients and how Christie's managed to earn a quarter of a billion dollars on art in Dubai.
Hal, good afternoon. Christie's remains one of the "whales" of the auction business for almost 250 years. What is the secret to success?
Halya: Indeed, Christie's House was founded in London in 1766. And today it remains one of the largest players in the art business. We run over 450 auctions per year in 80 categories. We have 53 offices in 32 countries and 10 trading floors, including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Zurich, Hong Kong, and since 2006 in Dubai. Last year, we started trading in India.
How do you rate Christie's success in the Middle East today?
Hal: In 2006, we became the first international auction house to enter the Middle East market. During this time, the perception of Middle Eastern art has changed tremendously. Significantly increased demand from international collectors. And the appetites continue to grow. I must say that already the first sales showed us a broad perspective. And we, along with others, have "grown" a new industry as it is now and will remain in the future.
And how do you see the future in the region?
Hal: Every year the number of buyers and the number of artists willing to offer their work for sale are increasing. We do not have time to stand still. We must always move forward. We set ourselves the task of supporting young artists and future collectors. This year we will be holding an auction for the first time as part of the Dubai Art Week, which will temporarily turn the emirate into a world-class art center.
Our readers would be interested to know how the "kitchen" of the auction house works.
Hala: First we collect the work (or future lots) together, form a catalog with a description of the products and their initial cost. It can be found online 3-4 weeks before the date of the auction. Everyone can come to the pre-auction exhibition, chat with specialists (we do not bite!), Learn more about the work. Then, if you want to bid, you need to register - "live" or online - and get a plate with a number. And then you can already begin the path of a collector. Even if you are not going to buy anything, you can freely come to bidding. This is a great sight!
What do you offer Dubai collectors today?
Halya: We sell Arabic, Iranian and Turkish contemporary art in Dubai. In addition, my colleague Frederic Watrelot holds watch auctions. This season, by the way, sales of watches - male and female - doubled. In total, we, as I have already said, sell art objects in 80 categories, ranging from jewelry and precious stones to wines and photographs, at prices ranging from two hundred dollars to one hundred million dollars.
What was the most expensive or unusual item sold in Dubai?
Hal: The most expensive lot was the work of the Iranian sculptor Parfiz Tanavoli "The Wall" (Oh, Persepolis) in 1975, which went under the hammer for US $ 2.8 million in April 2008. It was an amazing job, and no less amazing was its price! The most unusual job? I usually give the right to find her children who come to the auction. They see what is hidden from the eyes of adults.
How important is your own taste when choosing art to buy?
Hal: I would say that this is the most important factor if you want a work of art to please the eye. Any investment includes such an important factor as personal knowledge of the market, personal taste and a sense of spiritual intimacy. Preferences are always a driving force when buying! You don’t buy a dress or handbag that you don’t like - the same with art. And if something attracted you, you begin the journey into the world of art: you begin to study the artist’s work or get to know him personally.
And, of course, on this path you will meet many interesting people who are also passionate about art. Before you start buying, you need what’s called “eye-catching”. To attend art exhibitions, for example, in Dubai or Basel, art workshops, our auctions - without even taking part in them. This is a great opportunity to set yourself up for trading.
When you find the right job at the right price, then you will become our customer. The most important thing is to remember to ask questions on any stretch of the path. And always share a passion for art with people who are close in spirit.
Can you name any difficulties your clients face when buying art in the UAE?
Hala: Art objects purchased outside the Emirates must be imported into the country in accordance with applicable customs regulations. Otherwise, there are no restrictions on the UAE art market.
What works have you selected for the upcoming Dubai auction, which will be held March 18 and 19?
Hal: In March we will hold the 16th auction in a row.
Each time we put up for auction new artists - alone or in groups. In the creative market, one always has to look for new ways to satisfy the needs of both international and regional buyers. We attend all exhibitions, get acquainted with collectors around the world to keep abreast.
We are proud to have told the world about Middle Eastern art. Since 2011, we have introduced a new category of affordable work - priced from US $ 3,000 - to encourage novice collectors. We travel for months in search of decent work. But it is the choice of our customers that becomes the unit of measurement of our work.
How have customer preferences changed in recent years?
Hal: Every year we have new customers, and, which is encouraging, more and more people visit our pre-auction exhibitions. For a few days, the hall at Jumeirah Emirates Towers turns into a museum. Everyone can come absolutely free and get acquainted with the best works in the region. The nearest exhibition will open on March 16th. I hope that there will be many readers of Russian Emirates among visitors. I guarantee that they will enjoy it.
ACHIEVEMENT LIST
Halia Khayyat joined Christie's team in 2007 as a contemporary art specialist in the Middle East and Iran. He currently heads the sales department of the House Bachelor of Fine Arts and Visual Communications (University of Damascus), Master of Design (Central College of Art and Design named after St. Martin in London) He has been living in Dubai for 11 years. He is actively involved in the cultural life of the UAE, shares his knowledge with the young generation of painting lovers.
